Implantable devices using rechargeable zero-volt technology lithium-ion batteries

a technology of lithium-ion batteries and implantable devices, which is applied in the field of implantable pulse generators, can solve the problems of limited battery life, not all of the features of one device, and no one can teach the use of rechargeable zero-volt technology batteries within the implanted portion of the system, so as to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system, simple connection, and high volumetric and gravimetric energy density

US7184836B1Inactive Publication Date: 2007-02-27QUALLION +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Patents(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2007-02-27
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

An implantable medical device, such as an implantable pulse generator (IPG) used with a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery having an anode electrode with a substrate made substantially from titanium. Such battery construction allows the rechargeable battery to be discharged down to zero volts without damage to the battery. The implantable medical device includes battery charging and protection circuitry that controls the charging of the battery so as to assure its reliable and safe operation. A multi-rate charge algorithm is employed that minimizes charging time while ensuring the battery cell is safely charged. Fast charging occurs at safer lower battery voltages (e.g., battery voltage above about 2.5 V), and slower charging occurs when the battery nears full charge higher battery voltages (e.g., above about 4.0 V). When potentially less-than-safe very low voltages are encountered (e.g., less than 2.5 V), then very slow (trickle) charging occurs to bring the battery voltage back up to the safer voltage levels where more rapid charging can safely occur. The battery charging and protection circuitry also continuously monitors the battery voltage and current. If the battery operates outside of a predetermined range of voltage or current, the battery protection circuitry disconnects the battery from the particular fault, i.e. charging circuitry or load circuits.
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Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 627,803, filed Jul. 28, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,263 which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 146,571, filed Jul. 30, 1999, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to implantable pulse generators, e.g., a pulse generator used within a Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system or other type of neural stimulation system. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a rechargeable zero-volt technology lithium-ion battery within such an implantable pulse generator.

[0003] Implantable pulse generators (IPG) are devices that generate electrical stimuli to body nerves and tissues for the therapy of various biological disorders, such as pacemakers to treat cardiac arrhythmia, defibrillators to treat cardiac fibrillation, cochlear stimulators to treat deafness, re...

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Embodiment Construction

[0041]The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

[0042]At the outset, it is noted that the present invention may be used with an implantable pulse generator (IPG), or similar electrical stimulator and / or electrical sensor, that may be used as a component of numerous different types of stimulation systems. The description that follows relates to use of the invention within a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Rather, the invention may be used with any type of implantable electrical circuitry that could benefit from deriving its operating power from a rechargeable battery.

[0043]Further, while the invention is described in connection wit...